Actually, as a former moderator who knows what backstage recently has looked like, I'm inclined to actually disagree that backstage is actually NOT being abused (unless things have changed in the past few days). Because there are many threads regarding different things on how to run the site (e.g. whether not moderators have read the mod guidelines, what should be done about the submission standards, the development of cB4, moderator usernames in preparation for cB4, appointment of people staff to forums, etc.), I feel that to fully contribute to this discussion, you'd have to be there for an extended period of time. It's like the debate forum; you can't just go in, give your two cents, and leave without waiting for the counterargument or considering originally presented proposals. But that's just me.

whatever. you care.

then why is it kept on hush if that's all it contains?

I don't think it's so much "kept on hush" as it is just not that relevant to the public/regular members. When moderators feel that the community's input is needed before a decision is reached, someone usually creates a thread about said topic in feedback. Again, if you're only there for a day, you wouldn't be able to continue your arguments for x discussion, making it sort of counter-productive in terms of reaching a decision.

I could go out on a limb and say that moderators are wary about their chit-chat topic, but I don't see why they should be. The shit-talking has highly diminished if not completely disappeared (well, that's probably arguable but hey, everyone's human). There's a (revised) rule in place backstage that's pretty much stressed every time someone brings up a member that they should only be talking about a member in terms of moderating actions and not whether or not they're being tedious/obnoxious/stupid/etc. I personally never really participated in the chat topic, but I admit that it is the fastest moving thread backstage (not surprising).. and again, that could be why people are wary.

Also, there's a trust/credibility factor of who the potential "moderator for a day" tells about what's backstage. Yes, there are threads about a few problem members or about specific debatable threads, and the moderators talk throughout the topic to try and reach a fair outcome for the member/topic in question.. So what happens if/when the "moderator for a day" spills everything to the public or just to a friend? Eventually word gets out; it's always like that. I know from personal experience as it was always more fun having the risk of being caught backstage because I wasn't supposed to be there. Now, it's not somuch fun backstage because the shit-talking has stopped.

Everything Azareal said makes a very strong argument that I really can't see be shut down by a counter-argument. In the military there is a reason you are sworn to secrecy in regards to certain things, as well as there being a reason for enlisted personnel not being allowed to fraternize with officers. Granted CreateBlog isn't a militaristic organization, a certain degree of secrecy is required in some regards. It seems "Most" of the Mods do a good job and are fair-minded and keep us informed of what we should be informed of.

Just thought of another analogy :D
Of course to a much lesser extent, us being allowed backstage could lead to similar things that happen when say the media buts its nose into Governmental/Military issues that aren't needed for the public to see and are used to sway the opinion of the public away or towards a political party.

Not seeing backstage isn't going to compromise the purpose of this website. It's an online blog that's moderated by a few individuals to keep it on track. Giving everyone a say in what's going on and letting everyone backstage could only result in negative things due to human nature and immaturity.

i didn't assume, i just figured that if it's a top secret place, obviously something is being violated with its purpose.

obviously, there is also a lot of good that comes out of backstage. did i say you all were close-minded, idiots that talked behind our backs? no. i said i dont understand why it's a big deal that the moderator for a day shouldn't be allowed to see it. if their judgment is trusted to mod, their judgment to do as they wish with the information should also be trusted in hopes they do the right thing.

There isn't anything being violated. It's just a place where we can discuss the future of Createblog and the best way to introduce new ideas. Letting people see that randomly would take some of the fire out of the surprises and possible ideas. Also, there is a lot of heart-to-heart conversation between mods back there too... encouragement, emotional support, you know, best friend stuff... and we help each other moderate the best way each of us can possible.

Hope that makes things clearer as to why viewing backstage could be an issue.

Backstage sucks anyway.

so be it, but if you're quick to pass judgment about us not being allowed to see it, doesn't it seem kind of odd to you, too, from a members stand point?

yeah yeah yeah i read that.

give me my own backstage then that i can keep confidential.

is that what you think?

I should run for it

Totally agree

Say if the member of a day is really good, and the current staff like it, would that be considered as a hiring?

Go write in your diary. Grow up while you're at it. You suck at arguing, especially when you contradict yourself in the same paragraph.

nevermind, you're not worth it.

that wasn't a contradiction, anyway.

Haha, while I do agree I didn't really mean to imply that everything was perfect in the "olden" days. I was simply stating that I had more fun and felt a lot more trust between members/mods within the community than I do now. I think this point is emphasized when you call it the "regime" (I know those are the words you use to describe it but you get my point.)

It really does.

In any case, it's the same reason why companies/businesses get hush hush about their future plans with the outside world. Because if word gets out to any competitors, then their competitors will now have a one up on them.

That's why one of the prizes for ____ of the month were taken away. It used to be that if you won, you would get access to backstage. When I tried to invoke that, the reward was taken away because micron had second thoughts. Not because it was me that was asking for backstage privelages but he realized that if he let EVERYONE who won backstage, there could be very bad consequences.

Sometimes people who were actually a part of Blogring (Are they even still around?) would win Xanga of the Month. There's no way micron would be comfortable letting that person backstage so he/she could share his secrets with Blogring.

I wasn't calling it a regime, I was kind of poking fun at all the 'mods are nazis' crap people come out with...

And yea, I know what you meant, I'm just a little jaded with the whole thing right now.

What the hell do you know about the "olden days?" Even with all the stupidity that happened then (I take responsibility for some of said stupidity as well), it beats the shit out of right now.

Plus the mods suck. What a piece of shit.

Damn. Relax.

^Seriously. It's definitely not that serious.

I'm afraid you'll stab me in the back again if I do.

I wasn't aware I had already done it before? Anyway, you don't have to put a damper on everything.

Youll throw your back out first from all those D's u been throwin